Traditional Chinese medicine programmes: what it is and how clinics abroad price it

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a traditional system that uses acupuncture, herbal products and movement practices such as tai chi. The US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) describes it as combining physical and psychological approaches with herbal products. This page covers only medical providers, meaning a named, licensed practitioner or physician at a licensed facility; retreats, spas and hotel wellness packages are not compared.

What does it involve?

• Acupuncture — thin needles are placed at chosen points on the body. NCCIH describes the practice and its safety record.
• Chinese herbal medicine — prescribed herbal formulas, as decoctions, granules or pills.
• Cupping and related techniques — cups are applied to the skin to create suction. See the NCCIH page on cupping.
• Tai chi and qigong — guided movement and breathing sessions.
• Inpatient TCM stay — some hospitals offer a stay of several days that combines the above with consultations and meals.

The number of sessions or days depends on the clinic's plan. This page does not state typical durations.

How do clinics price it?

TCM formats compare poorly, because clinics sell both single sessions and multi-day stays. Clinics usually use one of two units:

• Per session — one acupuncture, cupping or consultation session, sometimes sold in blocks of sessions.
• Inpatient stay of N days — one price for a stated number of days, usually including accommodation, meals, daily treatments and physician consultations.

Items that are often charged extra include:

• herbal formulas, especially those taken home;
• the first consultation or diagnostic tests;
• a single room or a companion's stay;
• treatments beyond the agreed plan;
• transfers and visas.

Prices are only comparable within the same unit. A session price cannot be compared with the price of a 14-day stay.

What should I ask the clinic before paying?

• What exactly is included: how many sessions per day or in total, which treatments, which meals?
• Who treats you, and what is their license or qualification in acupuncture or Chinese medicine?
• Is the facility licensed as a medical provider, and by which authority? See how to check a doctor.
• Which herbal products will be used, where do they come from, and are they tested for contaminants?
• Are needles single-use and sterile?
• What happens if you stop early or feel unwell? Is any part refunded?
• How long is the quoted price valid, in writing?

What this page does not tell you

This page reports what clinics publish about price and terms. It does not tell you whether TCM suits you or works for any condition; those decisions belong with your own doctor. NCCIH states that results of studies on Chinese herbal products are mixed, that many studies are of poor quality, and that some products have been contaminated with drugs, heavy metals or other substances. The World Health Organization says traditional use alone is not proof of safety and efficacy, and that these need to be shown through research. For a related tradition, see Ayurveda programs.